By Michelle Ndaga
The Shakahola massacre case against controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie took a chilling turn on Tuesday as a prosecution witness described how biblical scripture was allegedly manipulated to lure followers into fatal fasting.
Testifying before Shanzu Law Courts Principal Magistrate Leah Juma, the witness said Mackenzie repeatedly cited Revelation 13:11, a passage about a pregnant woman hiding in the wilderness for 1,260 days to escape a seven-headed dragon.
He allegedly reinterpreted the scripture to suit his apocalyptic teachings, warning followers that time was running out.
According to the testimony, Mackenzie claimed the dragon symbolized Satan and “wamataifa” worldly powers while the pregnant woman represented his Good News International church.
Followers were told they were the “wateule,” or chosen ones, and that the wilderness was the Shakahola forest in Kilifi County, where they relocated after Mackenzie shut down his Furunzi church.
The preacher allegedly taught that the 1,260 days equaled three and a half years, setting a prophetic countdown that began in 2020.
As the supposed deadline approached, followers were urged to fast in order to “beat the clock” and secure their place in heaven. Another pastor, identified as George, is said to have reinforced the teachings.
The court also revisited submissions made in 2023 by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Jami Yamina, who argued that Mackenzie’s followers were not engaged in hunger strikes to protest detention but were instead continuing fasting rituals aimed at meeting the prophetic deadline.
At the time, authorities ordered their transfer to prison custody for force-feeding and treatment to preserve their lives. Yamina said Tuesday’s testimony “appears to confirm that the followers were racing against the 1,260-day countdown.”
Another protected witness, identified as E.I., recalled how his father pressured him to join the fast, claiming his peers had already “gone to God” while he risked damnation in “babeli,” or hell. He further alleged that Mackenzie threatened to “force people to heaven through blows and kicks” if they resisted fasting.
The prosecution is expected to present additional witnesses as the case continues.
